Baby care

Bathing, laundry products and diapers are only a few of the causes of skin irritation. But there are many natural ways to ensure that a baby's skin stays soft.

Bathing, laundry products and diapers are only a few of the causes of skin irritation. But there are many natural ways to ensure that a baby's skin stays soft.

* Bathing - It may surprise you to know that babies don't need bathing all that often. Gentle sponge baths once a week will allow babies to retain the natural, protective oils in their skin.

* Laundry products - Wash clothing and bedding before it gets used for the first time, and use fragrance- and dye-free laundry detergents.

* Changing time - The American Academy of Pediatrics says that diaper rash affects more than half of infants and is often caused by prolonged exposure to wet, soiled diapers or use of unnecessary baby products. The perfume or alcohol in many baby wipes can cause irritation. Use a warm wet washcloth or a squirt bottle with warm water, pat the area dry, and then apply a layer of zinc oxide or petroleum jelly to treat diaper rash.